About the Song
When Alan Jackson released “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” in 1990 as the fourth single from his debut album Here in the Real World, he wasn’t just singing a catchy country tune—he was telling his own story. Written by Alan Jackson and Jim McBride, the song became a personal anthem that perfectly captured the spirit of a young man chasing a dream, guitar in hand, and heart full of hope.
At its core, “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” is a song about the pursuit of a calling. It’s not about fame or riches—it’s about the love of music and the longing to share something meaningful through it. Jackson sings from the perspective of a small-town boy who grew up listening to country radio and dreaming of the day he’d hear his own voice come through the speakers. It’s autobiographical without being self-indulgent, grounded in details that make the story feel both personal and universal.
The first verse sets the tone: he remembers his dad buying him a guitar, his mama listening to the Opry on the kitchen radio, and the early shows played for small crowds in smoky bars. These aren’t the glamorous tales of success—they’re the humble beginnings that shaped a country artist who would go on to become one of the most respected voices in the genre.
Musically, the song bursts with energy, driven by crisp electric guitar, steel guitar flourishes, and Jackson’s easygoing yet emotionally honest vocals. There’s a youthful brightness to the arrangement—a sense of momentum that mirrors the feeling of chasing after something just out of reach. But even in its livelier moments, there’s an undercurrent of gratitude and grit—the recognition that the journey itself is what makes the dream worthwhile.
The chorus—“I’m chasin’ that neon rainbow, I’m livin’ that honky-tonk dream”—is both a celebration and a confession. It acknowledges the hard road of late nights, long drives, and occasional heartbreaks, but it also shines with the joy of doing something you believe in. For any listener who’s ever dared to follow a dream, however uncertain, this song strikes a powerful chord.
“Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” helped establish Alan Jackson not just as a talented singer, but as a true storyteller of the working-class American experience. It’s a vibrant, heartfelt tribute to country music itself—and to the millions who find pieces of their own lives reflected in its lyrics.